Death of a Good Lady.

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Calhoun, the wife of Capt. John J. Calhoun, died at her home in this city, on Friday night last at 11:30 o’clock.

While sitting at the table, just after she had eaten her breakfast, on Thursday morning, Mrs. Calhoun received a stroke of paralysis. She took her bed and gradually grew worse until the end came at the time mentioned, although everything that medical skill and loving hands could do was done for her. Surrounded by her devoted husband and children she breathed her last, peacefully yielding up a pure, noble good life, spent in doing good and bringing sunshine into other’s lives.

Mrs. Calhoun was formerly Miss Sayre, and was born and reared in Sparta, Hancock county. She was married to Capt. Calhoun in Augusta, in December 1861, her father, Mr. Wm. H. Sayre, having moved to that city.

With her husband, she moved to Bartow county in December, 1867. They resided afterwards for a number of years at Cedartown, Capt. Calhoun holding responsible positions with the East and West railroad, and again moved to Bartow county locating at Cartersville some twelve years ago.

Mrs. Calhoun leaves her husband and six children, Mrs. H. N. Vandevander, of Cedartown; Mrs. R. P. Morgan, of Colorado; Messrs. Sayre and Joseph Calhoun, Miss Estelle Calhoun and John Calhoun, Jr. She was a sister of Messrs. Robert and Nathan Sayre and Miss Harriett Sayre, all well known in the community.

Mrs. Calhoun was a noble, good woman, whose many worthy acts will long survive as an example and an incentive to good deeds in others. She was always foremost in good works in the community, noted for her untiring zeal and faithfulness in whatever cause she was enlisted. She was for nearly thirty years a member of the Presbyterian church and no lady eclipsed her in devotion to her many duties, her hand being manifest in whatever was to be done for the church’s cause.

One strong characteristic in her nature was her charity towards others. She never spoke illy of anyone and to her everybody presented their best sides. She was slow to believe aught against anyone.

It seemed to her a source of satisfaction to herself when she could by any turn of hers send a ray of sunshine across another’s path. She was unselfish and liberal and was a dispenser of charity among the poor. We know one poor woman, without a home, who knew of Mrs. Calhoun’s goodness and in recognition of her good acts, went from house to house asking flowers into which she made a beautiful and massive wreath that rested above her bier.

She was a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and one of the handsome floral tributes was a wreath purchased in Atlanta by the ladies of the chapter here.

The firemen also purchased in Atlanta a handsome floral anchor which was among the tributes.

The funeral took place from the Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock, Rev. J. A. Patton, of Marietta, assisted by Rev. Mr. Wallace, of Cedartown, officiating. Touching remarks were made on the beautiful life of the deceased, but none more significant than that “Mrs. Calhoun lived her own funeral tribute.”

The remains, which were interred at Oak Hill, were followed to their last resting place by a large concourse.

June 23, 1898 Page 6: Mrs. J.J. Calhoun Resolutions Adopted on the Death of Mrs. J. J. Calhoun by W. M. S. [Woman’s Missionary Society, see June 16, 1898 for death notice.]

July 14, 1898 Page 4: Resolution Of Respect Adopted by The Daughters of The Confederacy. We feel that our chapter has sustained a very great loss in the death of our much loved vice-president, Mrs. J. J. Calhoun. [article continues, see June 16, 1898]